Julianne Holmes Books In Order

Publication Order of Clock Shop Mystery Books

More than 20 years ago, Julianne fell in love with writing, hence she made a promise to herself that she was going to be a full time writer when the right time comes. During the initial stages, she began taking workshops and writing various stories. Apart from taking workshops, she also joined Sisters in Crime and started attending Crime Bake each year. At Crime Bake,, she not only met with people who shared the same interests as her but also pitched some of her work to new readers and publishers. During this period, the stories she wrote were great, though she admits that there was something a little bit off about them. As time went by, she discovered that she was somehow attracted to crime fiction, since it was a genre that she found herself reading from time to time. Hence, she decided to write crime fiction and eventually it paid off as her first novel received publication.

As a critically acclaimed author, Julianne Holmes is widely known for the Just Killing time series and the clock shop mystery series. Apart from using her real names on some of her works, Julianne Holmes has also used her pseudonym, J.A. Hennrikus to write several short stories, some of which have appeared in the award winning book, Level Best. Currently, Julianne serves as the board member of the Sisters in Crime New England and Sisters in Crime. Additionally, she is also a member of the mystery writers of America. Julianne lives in Somerville Massachusetts.

A Clock Shop Mystery

Just Killing Time

Just Killing time is the first book in the A Clock Shop Mystery series. In this book we are introduced to one Ruth Clagen who is on a camping trip. Ruth decided to go on the camping trip so that she can be able to achieve a peaceful Zen. Upon completing her camping trip, Ruth decides that she is going to first stop in Orchard, so that she can spend a little time with her grandfather, Thom, whom she has not visited for the last five years before heading home. Just before she lives, she decides to check her phone to see if anyone had tried to contact her. While checking her messages, Ruth learns that her grandfather had just died from a heart attack during a robbery at his clock shop, the Cog and Sprocket. The Cog and Sprocket was initially opened by the very first Clagan, Ruth’s first great grandfather, who had migrated into the United States. Clagan, then passed the shop to GT, Ruth’s grandfather.

While she was young, Ruth had learned the art of clock making from her grandfather. She used to spend most of her summers at her grandfather’s place since her parents were pursuing their academia careers. After completing her high school education, Ruth joined a specialty college, hence she was now highly skilled in building and designing special artistic clocks. Upon arriving, Ruth talks to one Jeff Paisley who informs her of what took place during the first robbery. Ruth learns that during the first robbery, five prized clocks were stolen and it is suspected that the robber might come back for more clocks. After talking to Jeff Paisley she decides to go and look for her grandmother, Caroline. While talking to her grandmother, Ruth learns that her grandfather had angered a number of the local residents, since he wanted the town to remain the way it is. Ruth’s grandfather and Glover Winters had been working hand in hand to save the town’s city mall from being converted into a mini mall. Before his death, winters had deeded the town’s city hall to Ruth’s grandfather, but ever since then no one had been able to find the deed.

Once she settles in her little apartment, Ruth discovers that there is a heap of uncompleted work. From time to time, she tries to avoid her step grandmother. Just next to her Clock shop, there is a unisex salon that is owned by one, Ben Clover. On the first day as she was arriving from her retreat, Ruth nearly ran him over with her car. But as time goes by, they are able to put everything aside and they become great friends. Just next to Ben’s unisex salon there is a coffee diner which is owned by Moran and Nancy Reed. Pat, Nancy’s husband, works at the clock shop as a handy man and also from time to time assists in repairing the clocks. Since the clock shop has lots of inventories, Ruth decides to first organize the shop then sell some of them so that she can generate some revenues. Additionally, she also wants to know who attacked her grandfather and for what reasons.

With that being said, the author did an excellent job of describing the small town of Orchard together with its residents. In addition, while reading the book you are going to enjoy getting to know some of the distinctive characters such as Ruth’s grandmother Caroline and her best friend from childhood, Moira. Furthermore, you are also going to enjoy another character Ben, who happens to be a young and interesting man. Ruth and Ben are going to be your favorite characters in the book due to their spunk, kindness and hard work. All in all, this book’s plot is not only excellent in depth action but also in suspense. Additionally, the plot has also been driven by action together with plot twists that will unquestionably surprise even the most experienced cozy mystery reader.

Apart from that, suspense also grows through the novel. As a reader, you are going to be stumped until all the final clues have been released. Furthermore, the author has also given the book a magnificent book setting in a historic shop and a New England Autumn which in turn links the past with the present. Just Killing Time is an excellent first in series for cozy mystery lovers of all ages. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, then this emotional story will definitely take you on a journey that you have never experienced before.